Freshened Up Leftover Rice Recipe

Transform leftover rice into a vibrant and flavorful side dish in just 20 minutes! This recipe is perfect for complementing grilled salmon or enjoying as a light and zesty vegan meal. The fresh herbs add a burst of freshness, while the lemon brightens the entire dish. Customize it with your favorite mild herbs like dill, parsley, cilantro, or chives. A perfect way to reduce food waste and elevate your weeknight dinner!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 406.5 kcal
Protein 13g
Rating Be the first
Freshened Up Leftover Rice 52

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Freshened Up Leftover Rice

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Freshened Up Leftover Rice? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Freshened Up Leftover Rice

  1. Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
  2. In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter (or olive oil for vegan option) over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until softened.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked leftover rice, the zest of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the rice mixture to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, cilantro, or chives – or a combination!).
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice or oil/butter if desired for extra flavor and moisture.
  7. Serve immediately as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite protein or as a standalone side dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

1 g

Sugar

1g

Fat

19g

Carbs

26g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Freshened Up Leftover Rice?

Freshened Up Leftover Rice takes about 25 minutes from start to finish — roughly 5 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Freshened Up Leftover Rice?

Freshened Up Leftover Rice has approximately 406.5 calories per serving, with about 13 g protein, 26 g carbohydrates and 9 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Freshened Up Leftover Rice?

The key ingredients for Freshened Up Leftover Rice are Rice, Butter, Garlic Clove, Lemon, Juice And Zest Of, Kosher Salt, Fresh Ground Black Pepper. See the full list with measurements above.

Reviews

No reviews yet — be the first to share your thoughts on this recipe!

Write a Review